E-Track on Sidewalls CV & Sprinter . . .

21cExp · Jun 10, 2012

I've been doing my homework and viewing all the threads I can find, here and elsewhere, about setting up cargo areas. There's a wealth of great info here, along with some very helpful images. One thing I have not seen addressed much is how important--or not--E-Track is on the sidewalls of CV's & Sprinters when it comes to securing loads.

Right now I have 106" completely free area, with 2 8' E-Tracks on the floor lengthwise (approx 34" o/c) capped at either end with 4' of E-Track sideways.

How I complete my walls as far as vertical storage space (they're already finished as far as Reflectix and tileboard, etc; pics coming) will be determined by whether or not, and where, I put E-track on the sidewalls.

For those with experience running both with AND without E-Track on the sidewalls, how important have they been in securing loads, and how much have you missed them if you don't have them in your present set up?

Gratzi -

JP

Turtle · Jun 11, 2012

I had them in the Ford E-350, don't have them in the Sprinter. They come in handy, but I don't really miss them in the Sprinter. I chose not to put sidewall E-track in the Sprinter because the sidewalls of the Sprinter have the same strength of a Coke can. Maybe less.

21cExp · Jun 11, 2012

Thanks Turtle! Your Sprinter pics were definitely some I looked at when doing my research on how best to set up my GMC Savana 1 Ton Extended. In others too, even some of the professional outfitters, they've only done the deck E-Track. Couldn't tell with chefdennis's Sprinter if he has wall tracks or not, but I'm suspecting not.

My deck layout is very similar to ebsprintin's, with the addition of 4' of sideways E-Track at the back opening before my hardwood ply to, hopefully, lessen potential damage from over-zealous lift drivers when sliding skids in, and to give not only an additional 5" of load space but additional E-Track points of connection over the width of a load.

In my van, as with most CVs and I suspect Sprinters too, if you want to put E-Track on the walls (not on a built-in box like Jack Berry--RIP--had) the only real attachment points are the vertical ribs, which limits it to four or five spots and increases the load stress on those spots and the screws used, I would imagine. With cargo straps attached to wall E-Track, it's not sheer strength of the hardware but pull-out or wall ripple that would worry me in cases of extreme braking or an accident.

I may install some wall E-Track, but more, I'm thinking, for crossways 2x's to limit forward/backward movement and perhaps the occasional straps.

All very interesting to me, the physics of it, and I enjoy the planning and due diligence of it all in hoping to make my CV rig both efficient and safe for getting back out on the road.

That's two cups of coffee on me should we ever meet out there.

Dry roads and open skies, brother,

JP

ebsprintin · Jun 11, 2012

Sounds like you have the correct thinking. I had e-track on my walls, but removed them before ever hauling a load, because they are heavy. If I did have the wall tracks, I would only use them with a rigid cross member like a board or a shortened load bar, because a strap under load is going to collapse the wall. The wall tracks do come in handy when hauling barrels, but I've always managed without them.

I include my signature line with links to related topics for readers new to the subject. JP has obviously already covered the contents in his own research.

eb

21cExp · Jun 11, 2012

Thanks eb. It was one of your posts and your sig links I ran across when first checking these boards that led me to the multiple threads for CV setups and what others have done. Much appreciated, that you've done that, as well as the contributions you've made to the many threads I've read. All very helpful. I already feel like I have a handle on some of the personalities here and hope I run across you, and several others when out running the roads.

I'm thinking pretty much like you are about E-Track on the walls and appreciate your input.

A cup of coffee on me for you too, should we ever meet. Might be Turtle's Rule Of Thirds should be modified to include coffee expense as slight payback for those of you that contribute so regularly with experience and Tips-n-Tricks.

Looking forward to being one of those that gets a cup from someone else down the road.

Dry roads and open skies, and thanks again.

JP

Moot · Jun 11, 2012

I didn't have E-Track on the walls of my first van. When I built this van I bought new E-Track for the floor and sanded and painted the old E-Track and hung it on the walls. I ripped some 6" wide strips of ⅝" plywood. Using bolts and Tec screws I attached the plywood to the vertical wall supports. After finishing the walls I screwed the E-Track to the plywood. I mostly use the sidewall E-Track for securing personal stuff. It does come in handy when hauling drums. I would never use it for decking purposes unless the top freight was very light weight.
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Vertical E-Track across the back end.

21cExp · Jun 11, 2012

Cool, Moot - that's helpful too. I have two 8' lengths I can use for the sidewalls in one configuration or another, and suspect if I do use them, it will be mostly as you have; for drums and miscellaneous, and not for supporting another deck or for heavy load cargo straps.

I have a footer and header sideways pieces like yours at the tail end, each 4' long, and wish I had bought the vertical track so all my slots ran the same direction. I'll most likely get some vertical track and replace what I have, because I can already see they will be handier to use for my 2x6's and leave the 8's free if need be.

Although, with the slots running the way they are now on the footer and header, I can run two long 2x's to keep drums centered at the floor, thereby making them easier to secure overall, eh?

I saw some Pickup/SUV sized load bars today in Kokomo I may get for barrels, too, though they did not look overly sturdy.

A cup of coffee on me, Moot. Hope to run across you out there somewhere.

Thanks again - dry roads and open skies to you,

JP

LDB · Jun 12, 2012

I have etrack on the sides because it's mandatory with the carrier. I have the van sized version of this bar:

Round Tube Load Bar W/ 2''X4'' Pads [LB200] - $19.99 : Ratchet Straps, Tie Down Straps, E Track Tie Downs, Moving Blankets & Pads, Cargo Straps, U.S. Cargo Control

I have used it twice when I had a drum. I put the bar end pads against the wall etrack so that it spreads the pressure across a greater area. Other than that I use it for personal items.

21cExp · Jun 12, 2012

That's helpful, LDB; much appreciated.

I don't think the load bars I saw in Kokomo were quite as heavy duty as those you linked to, and I'd be interested in where you found yours or what brand they are. I don't see van-sized on US Cargo Control. I think you're absolutely right on in distributing the pressure over a wider area by putting the pads against the sidewall e-track.

I'm getting to owe a lot of cups of coffee here for the helpful experience and will have to set up a house bank of batteries and my own heavy duty percolator and set up a "FREE COFFEE FOR ADVICE" stand in the parking lot

Thanks man - hope to run across you out here somewhere. . .

Turtle · Jun 12, 2012

FWIW, what I sometimes do for barrels and other odd things, especially when they are loose barrels not secured to the pallet or each other, is use lashing straps.

I have a couple of these that are 20 feet long (Lashing Strap Ratchet)

I also have a couple of these that are 20 feet long (Lashing Straps)

Which one I use depends on the weight of the freight.

I wrap that around the barrels to lash them together getting a tight, secure band around the cargo. Once they are secured together, then I just need to secure them from going anywhere. I use either regular E-track ratchet straps and loop it up from the E-track up through the lashing straps and back down to the E-track, or I use shorter 6-foot ratchet straps with S-hooks on the ends. One S-hook grabs the lashing strap, and the other hooks to a D-ring E-track fitting.

It works quite well in lieu of a load bar secured to the walls, and I've used it for quite a few oddballs loads that can't easily be secured.

LDB · Jun 12, 2012

The bar I have came from one of the Expo exhibitors. They've been there a few times so they'll probably be there again. I don't remember their name right off. It's sturdy and well made but sized for a van.

Moot · Jun 12, 2012

Personally I'd stay away from any load bar that expanded mechanically. Even if you position it on the sidewall E-Track to disperse some of the force, something has to give. I use the cheap cheesy made for pickup truck load bars. Hey, they were free. I modified the ends by removing the rubber blocks and then reformed the metal ends with a BFH to fit the E-Track beam sockets.

If you want something a lot more substantial check this out: E-Track Load Bar 102" : E-Track Bars : Lodi Metals, Inc. Look carefully, there is an 800 number to call for custom lengths. I believe Leo had some custom length E-Track ratchet straps made by Lodi Metals.

In my opinion, for what it is worth, stay away from mechanically expanding load bars for a cargo van. Unless you are driving a fleet owners van, then crank away.

LDB · Jun 12, 2012

Lodi Metals is an excellent company. I have straps with the ratchets six inches from the fitting on the stationary piece so the entire length adjusts. I can strap a box the size of a shoe box with these straps. They also double sewed the ends so they can't possibly pull through. Excellent product. Five stars. A ten. Whatever scale you want these straps are the highest rating.

21cExp · Jun 13, 2012

Thanks Turtle, Moot, LDB, all very helpful information. Lodi Metals E-Track load bars look great and I hope to get some of those. I like Turtle's cargo strap idea for drums, too.

Thanks guys!

chefdennis · Jun 13, 2012

Thanks Turtle for the "Lashing Strap" idea...i will be ordering a few of them....My Cargo Max came with "L" track on the walls at 2 different heights and I have "picked up" a few "cam over airline cargo starps" that work but i only use them to secure "Tall" freight for one side to the other for the most part.

ebsprintin · Jun 13, 2012

Exactly what moot said about the use of expanding load bars.

eb

21cExp · Jun 13, 2012

Well, I think I'll go with the mechanically leveraged high strength expandable heavy duty load bars and push my sidewalls out a good bit so I have more room for schtuff inside!